Captain Peacock actor Frank Thornton dies

LONDON (AP) — British actor Frank Thornton — best known as Captain Peacock in the long-running television comedy "Are You Being Served?" — has died at age 92, his agent said Monday.

Jim James

FILE - In this April 29, 1992 file photo, actor Frank Thornton poses for a photograph in London. British actor Frank Thornton — best known as Captain Peacock in the hit television comedy "Are You Being Served?" — has died at age 92. The actor's agent, David Daly, said Monday, March 18, 2013 that Thornton died in his sleep in his home in London in the early hours of Saturday. (AP Photo/PA, Jim James, File) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

FILE - In this April 29, 1992 file photo, actor Frank Thornton poses for a photograph in London. British actor Frank Thornton — best known as Captain Peacock in the hit television comedy "Are You Being Served?" — has died at age 92. The actor's agent, David Daly, said Monday, March 18, 2013 that Thornton died in his sleep in his home in London in the early hours of Saturday. (AP Photo/PA, Jim James, File) UNITED KINGDOM OUT, NO SALES, NO ARCHIVE

The actor is best remembered by British audiences for his comic role in the innuendo-laden hit sitcom, which ran from the 1970s to 1985. He played a mustachioed, pompous floor manager who oversaw his fellow shop workers in a department store.

Thornton's agent, David Daly, said that the actor died in his sleep in his home in London in the early hours of Saturday.

Born in Dulwich, south London, Thornton had worked in insurance after leaving school but took evening classes to become an actor.

He soon took up stage acting and played in London's West End, before serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II. In the 1950s, while still doing theater, he began to branch into television comedy. He appeared on "The Benny Hill Show" and other comedy programs, and also took a small role in the movie "Carry On Screaming."

In the 1970s — with the success of "Are You Being Served?" — Thornton became a household name in Britain.

"He was a great friend and consummate performer who was the glue who really held 'Are You Being Served?' together," said the show's co-creator, Jeremy Lloyd. "He will continue to give people enjoyment."

Later Thornton also became known for his part in another long-running television comedy series, "Last of the Summer Wine."

He has made appearances in dozens of movies, including "No Sex Please, We're British" and more recently "Gosford Park."

Thornton is survived by his wife Beryl, daughter Jane, and three grandchildren.